Legal battle erupts over AI-generated George Carlin comedy special

Image: YouTube / George Carlin

George Carlin's estate has filed a lawsuit against the producers of a one-hour comedy special featuring an AI-generated version of the late comedian, according to NBC News. Carlin's estate, including daughter Kelly Carlin, alleges that the online media platform Dudesy violated the performer's right to publicity and infringed upon copyright. 

The video is titled "George Carlin: I'm Glad I'm Dead," and features an hour of new "material" from the comedian who died in 2008. Despite its name and premise, the AI replication falls short of expectations. Limited to audio, the imitation lacks the distinct voice and comedic brilliance associated with Carlin. It essentially amounts to a subpar impersonation, featuring predictable punchlines and an absence of the comedian's trademark wordplay and righteous fury.

Click to read more ...

Revolutionizing Pixels: A closer look at Google's latest feature drop

Photo: Google

Google's latest announcement goes beyond introducing a fresh colour for the Pixel 8 series. In addition to this, the company unveils its newest feature drop, showcasing the innovative Circle to Search feature. Originally spotted on Samsung's Galaxy S24, this functionality will soon be available on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, with its launch scheduled for January 31, coinciding with the release date of Samsung's S24 lineup. To use Circle to Search, long press the home button or navigation bar and encircle any item on your phone screen. Google will then provide relevant information about the selected content. 

This update also enhances the use of the Pixel 8 Pro's built-in thermometer. You can now measure body temperature, a feature described by Google as "medical-grade." This suggests that Google likely obtained FDA clearance for this specific use. Adding a practical application for the thermometer somewhat eliminates its earlier puzzling presence in the phone. 

Click to read more ...

The Pixel 8's mint green option comes to Canada, won't be available for the Pixel 8 Pro

Photo: Google

Google recently announced the launch of a refreshing mint green colour option for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. While the new shade offers a more subtle alternative compared to the vibrant "bay" blue 8 Pro, it brings a touch of novelty for enthusiasts of the compact Pixel 8. Until now, the regular Pixel 8 has been confined to standard colour choices since its initial release in October.

It's worth noting that the mint hue is exclusively available with the base 128GB storage variant. Those seeking higher storage capacities will have to stick with the original colour selections. In Canada, the mint colour option is limited to the Pixel 8 model. You can buy it from the Google Store for $949. The Pixel 8 is also offered in the colours Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose. And it's currently available at a discounted price of $749.

Via

The Apple car shifts gear, could debut in 2028 with reduced autonomy

Render of Apple CarPlay infotainment system (Image: Apple)

Apple has reportedly scaled back its decade-old automotive project, shifting from a fully self-driving car to an electric vehicle similar to Tesla's. The anticipated "Apple Car" launch, initially targeted for 2026, is now expected in 2028. The autonomous features have been downgraded from Level 5 (full automation) to Level 2+ (partial automation), offering limited self-driving capabilities like lane centring and braking, still requiring the driver's full attention.

This revised strategy marks a pivotal moment for Apple, seen internally as a make-or-break scenario. The company is in talks with potential European manufacturing partners for the scaled-down project. Despite the shift, Apple aims to eventually introduce a Level 4 autonomous system.

Click to read more ...